UpdateChevron extinguishes main fire at California refinery

07 August 2012 17:08[Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--Chevron extinguished the main fire at its ?xml:namespace>Richmond refinery near San Francisco in California but was allowing a small controlled burn as a safety measure, the US-based energy and chemicals company said in an update on Tuesday.

The fire broke out at the refinery’s 4 crude unit on Monday at around 18:15 hours San Francisco time (01:15 hours GMT).

Chevron said that the small controlled burn was a safety measure to reduce pressure.

“This is helping to ensure more hydrocarbons don't escape. This is similar in concept to how refineries utilise flares,” it added.

Chevron also said that local health service ended a shelter in place order late Monday night, and the refinery also ended its own shelter in place.

Three employees sustained minor injuries and were treated on site, Chevron added.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Chevron did not say when it expects to resume full operations at the refinery. Chevron media officials did not immediately return a call requesting additional comment.

According to ICIS information, Chevron's Richmond refinery has a processing capacity of about 245,000 bbl/day.